Kawasaki Versys 1000 | Daily Rider
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- Опубликовано: 6 окт 2024
- Read more about the Kawasaki Versys 1000 on Common Tread: rvz.la/3zVj4EP
Lifted sportbike? Jack-of-all-trades? Surprisingly rowdy? Find out with Zack as he takes the Versys 1000 out on the road.
SPECS:
MSRP: $18,200
Engine: 1,043 cc inline four
Measured weight: 587 lb. / 266.2 kg
Fuel tank: 5.5 gal. / 20.8 liters
Seat height: 33.1 in. / 841 mm
Zack’s gear:
Rev’It! Fly 3 gloves: rvz.la/377xVjg
Klim K Forty 2 Jeans: rvz.la/2WrFPBV
REAX Fulton Air Shoes: rvz.la/3BY3ytT
Shoei RF-1400 Helmet: rvz.la/2VpyyCo
Read our First Ride Review of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 on Common Tread: rvz.la/2WtSIeK
24:00 is that a stonking mustang?
You should see the tops of the saddle bags on my Versys. I gave up after the first few months of trying not to kick them.
@@FragEightyfive lmao, they're just that tall.
@@luko560 same request!
I imagine the questions about the Versys 1000 versus the Ninja 1000sx are much like the 1996 questions of the GPz1100 (which I owned) versus the ZX10.
Zack, this is one of the best motorcycle series out there. I watch literally every episode even for bikes I wouldn't consider owning. The reviews are really insightful (while many others just read out numbers and give nothing but praise). Hope the series continues - would love an episode on the new R7 or the ZX6R.
Could not agree more with this sentiment. This is outstanding work!
Agree with all the praise and definitely 2nd the request for a review of the R7.
Yes to the R7 from me too, hope he gets one in soon
100 %
And another one who thinks these reviews are great. And that's not just because I bought the Versys 650GT 😊
What’s funny is that I was stuck between the Versys 1000 and an Africa Twin, then decided to save a bunch of money and just buy a Versys 650
Send it on a Yamaha Tracer 900!
Versys 650 is a awesome machine
Why did you compare two bikes that have totally different purposes? One of those bikes is actually meant to off road. The other two are touring bikes designed to look like they off road for no reason, oh wait people like you.
@@kingdan7458 1) who died and put you in charge of what bikes people can like?
2) who said anything about off road? The AT is also a great bike for on-road touring for lots of reasons
3) buying a bike cause it looks cool is absolutely ok because it’s supposed to be fun. I’d never buy a bike that I thought was ugly, even if some internet know it all thinks I shouldn’t. Funny how no biker I’ve ever met in real life has had anything but positive things to say to anyone getting out on two wheels
Dude...that's crazy, because that's exactly what's been happening to me! Tracer 900..then maybe Versys 1000 and now...hm maybe that 650 like my buddy just got and loves...or back to the Tracer!. But I'm literally checking local Versys 650 prices right now LOL. Im a paragliding and hanggliding pilot, head down to Baja a ton to run around and to fly and explore and go back and forth between more adventure bike...then 70% of my time will be street, but then again blah blabh . So I totally get it and did the same thing lol
Don't worry, that guy doesn't know a 1000 from a 650 so IF he walks into a dealer and asks for the one that gets 50mpg, he'll find his way to the 650 and you'll have done him a favor.
Probably a 1000cc isn't a good first motorcycle, so a 650 is the best choice
My 2018 gets about 45mpg.
Yeah, I’m getting about the same mileage on my 1000 as i got on the 650.
@@kevinpeterman7127 I got a 2022 a few months back and average 48 MPG. Since Zack is testing this bike, he’s probably flogging it a lot. No way it should average 35-36 under normal riding conditions.
"Two men in a restroom with luggage" had me spitting out my drink. One of Zack's best lines to date 🤣
... and you feel that it stiffens the ... ehhhh ... "spring"!
Zack, Fortnine, Sagar Sheldekar from India are one of the few motorcycle reviewers who enjoy any motorcycle given to them. It's a treat to watch them ride. Keep it up Zack.
+1 for Sagar for anyone who doesn't know yet.
Arri??
@@pulkinpulman2028 Ari Henning? Obviously
Here in the UK we have 'The Missenden Flyer', he is very down to earth and worth a watch. Then there's 'Lamb Chop Rides', he too is worth a watch. Also 'TeapotOne' who is worth a view. Username Kate is not. She too frequently falls off the bikes she rides and is boring.
That's how speedometer/tachometer should be done. Analogue + digital 👍🏻
Couldn't agree more. Analog tach will always be preferable
@@drewnader1726 me too….having both is a plus but I must have analog at the minimum
YEAH, RPM analogue is DA BEST
This is my favorite gadget layout.
agree, i think they have the best looking gauges out there,very cool style.
I put almost 12,000 miles on a 2019 Versys 1000 SE LT+, and it always got between 43 and 47 mpg. To get 35 mpg, you gotta have pretty active right wrist.
My exact same experience.
I mean, have you seen the show? 😂😂
Same, I had the 2015 and got 44
@@morgan98801 You mean ride like they know what they are doing? I hear people saying they will get over 200 kms before the reserve light comes on, on say a gixxer 1000. Who is driving that? Your Grandma? You'll never get above 160 kms if you ride it like it's meant to be ridden. Note this is with a bone stock bike on the road. The track would be even worse.
Stop and go Los Angeles traffic is a lot more brutal on my fuel economy than highway touring.
As a Versys owner, actually on my third Versys that included the 650 a very fair review. I lowered the foot pegs, can ride all day super comfy. Prefer the 1000 over the 650, the extra weight just feels better on the highway and not getting blown around like I always felt on the 650. Thanks Zack, as always a great job!!
1000 has a LOT more power and it's a peach of an engine
@@kwak1k Agreed!
Thats a good point, and also riding 2 up, an heavier bike to start with will be easier on the hwy.
Hi can you recommend the lowering foot-peg kit? Which brand? Thanks
I Demoed a 1000 today I loved the quick shifter. Smoothest I've ever seen , not so much going down shifting , excellent motorcycle . Well done Kawasaki engineers. 👏 Very impressed
That LCD screen is probably one of the best so far. I could see everything through Zack's camera the whole time.
The needle tac is the cherry too
@@hendrxx_ I do kind of like the split. Looks cool. Definitely easyto read.
The demo of the "Rain" mode while in the gravel was the coolest thing I've seen in a long time!
When you got a chain driven bike a centerstand is a must. Glad they put one on it.
Many (most?) folks do without, but I'm with you - it's a necessity.
You always meet the nicest people on a Versys 😁
Never stop making these videos. Nothing else like it.
I agree on the pegs being high. My 2019 suffered from the same "ailment" (in my opinion). I put some Knight Design, LLC 1 3/4" lower pegs on and they are a game changer.
I'm getting +/- 43mpg with 210 miles between fill-ups usually.
I never had a problem with the pegs on my '16 (I'm 6'1"). But I did always feel that the reach to the bars was just little too much. Was really only noticeable on long days in the saddle. And it wasn't bad enough for me to ever do anything about it.
I had to pause this for a sec. That ‘two men in a restroom with luggage’ comment, is simply award winning. Thank you Zack 🤣
I love my versys 1000, awesome touring bike.
I think my favorite part of your bike reviews is how much fun you have riding some of these bike! Your enthusiasm is much appreciated.
Love that you brought up the center stand. As a garage-less city dweller, a center stand is a must for me to make maintenance easier. Might be worth mentioning on the regular if the reviewed bike as a center stand or option for one.
I feel like reviewers, Zack included, do a decent job of mentioning the center stand when bikes have them. It's just that not many bikes have them these days, and the way they have been doing exhaust lately very few bikes can mount one. But yeah, a huge feature that is absolutely worth pointing out. Even if one has a garage, how will you service the chain on tour? With difficulty, that's how, anecdotal as none of my bikes will fit one either.
@@kleinbottled79 If a bike doesn't have a centerstand even as an option, my interest in it rapidly declines. As you point out, it makes chain service so much easier, especially on tour. It obviously also makes rear tire service vastly easier, in the event of a flat.
@@WildBikerBill indeed, one of the reasons why sport tourers like the Ninja 1000 dont appeal to me is that is impossible for those to have a center stand, to me a CS is a must have for a chain driven bike
Sport mode is max throttle and stiffest suspension setting, Rider mode is customizable throttle and suspension combination. Rain mode is lowest throttle and soft suspension mode. You will notice difference in suspension settings as much if you are on relatively smooth roads.
My friend rides a 1000 and I ride a 650. You can scrape pegs on both if you really want to, so I feel like it's good to have them mounted that high.
I agree. I've had the 1000 pegs scrape on certain banked, high angle off ramps.
I dig it, I really enjoyed the engine on the ninja 1000, and the comfort and wind protection on this bike is right up my alley.
I honestly was just watching your run with justin on his monster before I got here.
You, your awesome riding and your channel is actively pulling me more towards the s1000xr, so how would you compare this versys1000 with your bike? If you had any chance of riding the versys already. :)
Thanks! Big fan of both you and zack!
Bike has a wheelie window. 10/10 best bike ever.
Even though I have no plans on owning a Versys or some of the other bikes, I still watch all your Daily Rider videos. Absolutely fantastic content as always. Its great to hear what you have to say about motorcycles in general. This is one of my favorite RUclips series. Zack and team, you seriously do some amazing work and I appreciate your time. I am always looking for a new video from Revzilla, and especially a Daily Rider. Cheers from NE OH, I hope one day I can buy at least one of you a dinner, beer or both.
sold my versys last year I still watch there reviews 🤣
Sold my Yamaha FS1-e in 1980 but I still watch them.@@AndyGSATractor
My '21 SE averages right around 50 mpg no matter how I am riding it. Whether running at high rpm in the twisties, droning along the interstate at 85-90 mph, or cruising the back roads at a relaxed pace, it stays right around that mark. I routinely run over 200 miles between fill ups. I recently did a trip from AZ into UT, CO, and NM. Super comfortable. Very capable sport touring machine.
I have a 2019 Versys 1000 se lt+ and love it! I get about 47mpg on the big girl. The quick shifter is a little wonky, but one can get used to it. The ergonomics are outstanding for long days in the saddle.
I have a 2020 model. If you keep the revs below 6k it does actually get good mpg.
Nice. You guys need to try a Kawasaki z900rs. Its a great commuter option that's very comfortable.
As a owner of the 2019 Versys 1000, I can say that I really enjoy my bike. I say to anyone looking, Shop around. I bought a new unsold 2019 in 2020 for 13,500. Still more than a 650 but a huge bargain over its original asking price. Coming from a Concours I really enjoy the better riding position, as well as heated grips and cruise control. I do wish it had a power windshield but that is a minor complaint. And I have never gotten only 35 MPG. Much closer to 50MPG
Yup.... I bought an unsold 2019 in 2020 for $13,900. I also switched from a C14 to the Versys.
When the first model was released in 2012 it was called a four-cylinder big trail, which later, with use, made it clear that the bike had no off-road features. Respecting her limitations, she is undoubtedly an excellent model.
Finally a manufacturer gets that’s while tfts are trendy, nothing beats an analogue tach for ease of readability.
I want to see you ride a Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special and see that off road jump test. 😂🤣😂
Guess I'm not the only one! 😂
Just thought I would share this in case anyone else wasn’t aware! When you switch to rider mode it initially shows the settings & you can adjust as required, if you then hold the “reset” button the display will return to normal & give range, lean angle, etc, etc!
why can't this be it's own category of adventure touring? because sport touring is definitely still a thing, with the 1000sx and the 1000gt.
Great review! I hope to see a Suzuki V strom 1050 review as well to fill out your large upright-sport-touring ensemble!
Same here : V-strom 650 and 1050. I feel like they're the most direct competition to the Versys offering. Mirroring each other almost perfectly. We kinda already know the V-strom is more capable off-road but that's about where it stops and most people don't venture much further than some dirt tracks.
I'd like to see those on that board. Especially since they've all been recently refreshed.
I remember seeing Zacks review on either the FJ-09 or Tracer 900 GT and he said he'd take those bikes over the V-strom all day long because V was too bland. Still would be good to see
Thanks Zack for the video and review. Glad to hear that you appreciate the Versys 650 so much. I got it for myself this week. Happy how good choice I made.
Well done again zack! Nothing better than Saturday morning breakfast and coffee and watching the next adventure of daily rider ! As a side note my wife is in love with your little giggle when you are backing it in or wheeling ! Lol
I love the analogue and TFT combination! More manufacturers should consider that!
Exactly! Why the craze for high exhausts? When it disadvantages so many bikes from good touring duty.
Would love to see the VStrom 650 and 1050 reviewed soon to round out the comparisons.
Great review as usual. That seat looks super comfy. Love the gauge cluster. And always appreciate a good centre stand!
I’ve had a Versys 1KS for a couple of months and love the bike. It does everything well and does it in comfort. Fuel economy is plenty good and looks are always subjective but put it next to a GS, KTM or Multistrada and it’s the best looking girl in the bar.
2019 SE LT+ here with 1000 miles on it, gets 41 mpg with 500 lbs load.
Started around 35 mpg, and it improved to 41. Considering its always fully loaded to the max, 41 mpg at 45 max suggested by manufacturer is very, very good.
My Honda NC750X regularly returns over 100mpg.
1000sx please, tossing up between this and that plus the extra$ ones
I have had both. Preferred the sx for lone riding but it doesn’t compare to the versys for two up riding .
Everytime price comes up I can't help but think about the fact that you have ~$20k bike as #1. I just don't think that as a Daily Rider (aka: commute to work) that the GS is over $10k better than the Versys 650. Maybe if the commute is 100+ miles?
I agree with this statement
I agree that the price should be taken into account but a daily rider isn't just a commuter bike. To me it's something more like a 'do it all' bike that you not only ride to work but take to the twisties, ride with a passenger, possibly take to the track/offroad and cover long distances while touring.
The MT07 is also near the top of the list but is quite basic in terms of spec and has no weather protection, so I think price is definitely taken into account as it's one of the best bang-for-buck bikes out there.
Personally I wouldn't put such an expensive bike on the top of the list either, but I've never ridden one, so maybe it really is that good.
@@180FiftyFive try one. I come as a 24 year youngster (from Italy!) who loves spirited riding, owned a Gixr 600 and last year I bought me a spanking new Street Triple 765 RS. In March I hopped on a GS for a test ride... And beginning of July I bought one. It's superbly versatile, going to work, fun on twisties (like real fun tbh), easy to ride, comfy, not thirsty.. If you can only have 1 bike (and you can afford it) I see no other option. Also tried the Multi 1200, Tiger 800/900, Ktm 1290 SA, nothing was quite on point like the beemer!
There are always going to be more expensive bikes. If you can't afford them, move down the list until you find the bike that suits your price point. No one is making you buy a GS!
And the second bike is a friggin' Ducati, so overall long-term reliability and servicing costs don't seem to be considered much there. Those would be A-list considerations for a bike I was planning to use as a 'daily rider.' He could weigh in valve service intervals, the reliability record of model/engine/brand, relative insurance costs, etc. We know if we can afford the sticker, tell us about the running costs. Tell us about the potential headaches.
Owning one since last year, every ride is a pleasure !
I think a 19 inch front tire would make this the best sport tourer in my eyes, and the roads I ride most.
Thanks! Been waiting for this one for awhile! Been contemplating upgrading from 650 versys to the 1000. But, after your review think I’m good where I’m at. Thanks again!!
You do a great job reviewing motorcycles. I truly enjoy watching your videos. Please keep it going!
for me, I'm sticking with my 650. I'd love the TFT screen and some of the ride modes, but honestly, the 650 is everything I need and I don't miss the electronics when I'm riding. If I could get a 1000 for maybe 7k or so used with low miles (obviously not right now as everything is crazy expensive) then maybe I'd pick it up. But my 650 is really a perfect bike for what I need around town. I have a 2010 Goldwing for travel so no need to get the 1000.
I think you pretty much fall into the intended use pattern. 65 MPH and light trails, get the 650, for interstate and two-up touring, get the 1K. You just happen to already have the interstate covered with, arguably, the greatest interstate touring model.
New versys 2022 has TFT screen now and traction.
@@robsonenduro3316 Came here to say this, and this update is the reason I'm now looking for a shop to take my money for a Versys 650 LT.
I thought the same as you with all the electric gadgets so I put a down payment on a 650 LT at a dealer in Mesa Az. Unfortunately the waiting period ran into several months and I eventually gave up on hoping I’d ever get one… So I applied the deposit to a 2022 Versys 1000 that the dealer already had on the showroom floor. Yes I paid way more than the 650 but far from the $18,399 MSRP.
These may seem like petty positives but to me the 2 biggest pros over the 650 are 1) Better wind protection, especially with the aftermarket Puig windshield I installed and 2) A center stand. The thought of getting the 650 and having to use spools and a Paddock stand made me cringe. Every bike in the “adventure touring” category should have a center stand, and even more so if they’re chain final drive… and of course who could complain about having 2 extra cylinders and 50 more ponies?
@@Richaag i put in my preorder in the beginning of may here in the netherlands, and the bike is supposed to arrive somewhere middle september. Waiting period wasnt a biggie for me since my driving test is also scheduled at around the same time. I take lessons on a Z650 (im going for A2, so 35kW) so im already familiar with the engine and i've tried an older versys loaner in the parking lot. I have also sat on the 1000, but since im still a new rider, it felt quite oversized for me. Even when just sitting on it in the showroom. I dont like the z650, im 190cm tall (aww, im sorry. Its 6 ft 3 for you.. 😜), so its way to crammed for me.
The 650 just felt nice. Comfy with relatively decent wind protection, but still managable for a new rider and nimble. Also sat on a v strom 650, but because of the v twin, the handlebar is a bit further away from you which i didnt really like.
As far as the center stand goes, the versyses arent really adventure bikes anyway. More like adventure styled tourers (edit: you said that too). And whilst they are capable of some very light off road stuff. You arent going to do Itchy Boots stuff with them. Im going to install a scottoiler anyway so hopefully i dont need to regularly put it on a paddock stand. And otherwhise there's also aftermarket center stands.
Hey Zack, thanks to you I am now the proud owner of my very first road-going motorcycle. I'm 41 years old, live in a country where motorcycle selection is terrible, and I haven't ridden anything with two wheels, other than a bicycle since I was 19. I was leaning towards a ninja 400, due to availability, but ended up buying a 2020 MT07, and I am absolutely in love. Actually, I think I am addicted and am now looking into something small to take off-road, but I also need to drive it out to the desert to take it off-road. I've watched your review of the KLX300 a couple of times and am super interested in it, but I find the CRF300 rally much more attractive. Do you have any plans to review one, or could we possibly talk you into reviewing one for us? Specifically the ABS model. Much love, and many thanks from Saudi Arabia, and I am absolutely serious that your reviews and enthusiasm for riding influenced my decisions greatly.
I thought in your country you can get any model imaginable...hello from Israel, drive safe and enjoy your mt07-:)
Always wait for a new episode Zack. This is the best motorcycle series out there, period 😍😍😍
In par with Fortnine. Although for straight reviews Zach is way up there.
22:20 , pretty good thing, a wheelie window in the windscreen, so good.
Always enjoy your reviews, would love to see how FJR 1300 & a Concourse 1400 will do on the daily rider. Are they too big for daily for the daily rider, do they still compete with the top 10 on the board? Please find out if they are still relevant in today’s market. & I would love to find out what Mrs. Courts would think of being a passenger in them.
Love the hybrid dash. I understand that with all the menu options its nice to have a screen but the anolog just looks so much nicer
Rode one for a demo day. Absolutely amazing how capable it is while being a touring bike
I own a 2020 model. Its quite good.
Another job well done. If I was going to purchase a new bike, and could only watch one review to help with my decision, I would take Zack's advice 100%.
My first (and current) bike is a first gen versys in battle toad green. Got in July from my manager for a steal of price. Super happy I went with it I absolutely love it.
Press the reset button in rider mode and it takes you back to your range etc.... read the manual maybe, and if you don't like the quick shifter , turn it off and clutch less shift to your hearts content, fyi I achieve over 40mpg regularly and that's making good progress officer. As regards the seat height, Lust racing for around $100, reduces the height by enough (29"inseam and flatfooting it ). nice review :)
PS my bike came with top box, backrest cushion, led fog lights and sat nav mount and more ,as well, and it was described as a GTplus .... and I bought it for around $14500 not $18000.
Moving the review away from the "two men in a restroom" direction was nicely done. :) I'm a Versys 650 fan too
Engineers: air pressure cavitation relief vent.
Zach : wheelie hole!
Excellent as always Mr. Courts. How about reviewing it's sportier brother the Ninja 1000SX? A lot of similarities but I wonder if the lighter weight and maybe different tank size translates into better MPG with the 1000SX?
He did on the old network/channel. Search it.
Gilbert rides the SX on the other one, unless there is another video @@ferociousfrankie
@@JoshuaTootell Ah, I was thinking of his 2017 review/ride then. Just the Ninja 1000.
I’m not quite sure where people find the engine “ boring “. Wheelies from every stop light is not boring to me haha.
I can cruise 2up on the expressway all day, yet pull wheelies through 3rd gear. Love my 2016
Does the Kaw even make a bad bike ?
I've owned this bike since 2019 and honestly this is the first I've heard about the quick shifter... Mine must work the same way but I never noticed it and didn't think it felt like a plastic fork.. ROFL... It's smooth, fast and one of my favorite features. I won't buy another bike without one.
Maybe he just means in comparison to other quick shifters on other bikes. If its your first one then you may just see all the benefits of a QS and not know about its differences.
My first new bike was a cbr500r and i thought the transmission and shifting was incredible, until i bought a versys 650 which shifts and feels so buttery smooth it changed my mind on the cbr500r’s transmission haha. The versys is so smooth it feels you don’t need the clutch. I love that bike so damn much!! 😆
@@Jagknorr that's exactly what I thought. I really would like to try out some different bikes with quickshifter
I have a 2016 i bought brand new in 2018 for $7K. Best purchase ever. Great commuter and trip rider. So good in twisties, and very comfortable.
Awesome as always. Hopefully there's a Pan America and/or a Sportster S review in the near future.
The best moto review channel plain and simple.
Something to add to the test I just thought of. A headlight test of some sort? Ride into the garage at the office with the lights off for an example? I know Gopros suck at picking that up and an idea to add to a near perfect test regime. Amazing stuff as always, keep it up!
The more I crossed shopped for a suitable 2 UP adventure touring bike, the more I kept coming back to the Versys 1000. I mean most bikes are cheaper but they don’t come standard with half the amenities as this bike- hard bags, center stand, decent windscreen. For me I’m glad I picked this up for primarily street riding, 2 up riding, long comfy rides. This thing even handled a steep dirt gravel road in the mountains better than my old Bonneville. I might not be spoiled by riding all the fancy bike but this engine, suspension, brakes, ergonomics, and 2 up lay out is just amazing. I’m very happy with it and believe I will be for a while.
Best motorcycle reviews on youtube. Thank you zack!
had a versys 1000 gen 1 for 7 years done 54k on that bike great machine..sadly I sold her now and have moved the the BMW dark side. only with I vlogged on the versys had some great tours on that bike.
I ended up buying this bike. 2 years and 10K miles later still love it. It's sporty enough to when you really push her, Pretty nimble in the twisties. The ride modes are too similar. I just leave it in Sport mode. That said, I'll probably trade it in on the 2024 BMW M 1000 XR.
When is the Versys H2 going to be a thing? It already looks so close to the ZH2 in some aspects!
Yes PLEASE!
like a H2SX
There is already an H2 SX
@@Juuul89 Upright ergos... I am 6'5.
@@CCitis the versys 1000 is already not the most suited for super tall people, you´d be better off looking at a GS or KTM. Source: I´m 6'4 and my buddy has a versys
i have a first model 2013 , love it , did few modifs ,ss brake disks , options,chrome,etc ,, i keep this bike !!!
This bike is almost 100% perfect from the factory. The seat. Windscreen. Pegs.
It’s just sooooo quiet you can barely hear it run….so of course it needs an exhaust.
Tons of people put knobbiest on the versys 650 and some on the 1000 and make them ADV bikes.
not gas mileage
@@joecamel6835 this is true. Hahaha. Mpg is a little lower than wanted!
First thing I did on my Vulcan S was to fit Versys wing mirrors, they also look a lot better.
Wow! I asked for this not much more than a week ago and Zack got right on it! That's cool!
Another one that is really missing is the SV650. Maybe a new, maybe one a bit older used! It is so recommended everywhere, get a SV650, its a great beginner bike, its a great bike for returning riders, and if you are experienced, its still a great bike.... That is what I hear anyway! How is it as a daily rider?
I'm fortunate to have a versys 1k and a sv650 in the garage. Both great bikes!
Have the SV650. I am very happy with it. Can check it. :)
I'm on my second V1k, moving from a Mark 2 to a 2019 SE GT for the cruise control to help ease the symptoms of arthritis in my wrists. I ride 90%+ two up and expect to see the equivalent of about 45 US mpg and a couple more solo so I expect at least 200 miles before I need to start looking for fuel. Initially I hated the peculiar feel of the gear change but I've got used to it and don't feel the vagueness any more. I don't use the QS because it doesn't seem able to cope with the extra inertia of a passenger and the changes can be worryingly clunky. The handling I call deceptively good because it inspires more confidence than any other bike I've ridden in over 50 years of riding. You can just keep leaning into bends right to the edge of the tyres and nothing changes about the feel of the bike. It keeps on riding those rails!
One of the first things I did when I got my 2019 was turn off the quick shifter. This is NOT my track bike. There is an aftermarket part to replace the spring plunger switches, taking the vague feeling out of the shifter, but the qs will not work with it installed.
@@wwb7091 It seems to be quite polarising. It's loved or loathed in equal measure. Personally, I can't see the point on a touring bike that has a torquey motor like this does. I've given it a good trial on solo rides but, although it works acceptably solo, it's slower than my manual changes. I found it works best if I load the lever and wait until the QS kicks in. Forcing it through as if I were using the clutch almost guarantees a crunch. Not so much a quick shifter as a slow one! 😂
@@StaTBMK thanks for the suggestion. I take a supplement, at the arthritis nurse's suggestion, that has improved things no end. Now, along with the ability to flex my right wrist on the move, I have very little grief.
Sounds like the 94 KZ1000P I rode as a motor officer a lifetime ago. Great video as always.
I rode a '92 as a Motorman. Great bike! I wish I had one today.
Well... In my mind, you DIDN'T lie to that guy. I have one myself (2013) and it easily does 50mpg. I do ride slow and accelerate gently, though. If you ride it hard, it might really do about 35mpg. I do think there are a couple things you complained about that make no sense to me, like the heated grips button and the way to change from a riding mode to another. But thanks for another excellent review, Zack!
3:29 That dude asking a question about MPG right after you said the size of the gas tank... You couldn't have scripted it better 😂
Wheelie window! Awesome!
The two biggest hang ups are the price and the fact that you can't get it in that pretty Kawasaki green.
Love these videos!
Daily Rider of the Triumph 1200 hoon machine when?
This review was one of the many reasons why I bought mine today.
I think the Yamaha RZ 350 should get another visit. It was the episode that brought out the most joyous responses from Zack as he cracked the throttle. Must be worth a couple of spots higher on the board?
Love my Versys 650!
center stands are S tier over standard kick stands. I use it as much as possible on my RT-p.
Hopefully the nc750x gets featured in the future
Tested 21’ version this week (both DCT and manual). Coming from a Honda Rebel 500, it’s not that much of an upgrade power-wise. But it’s an incredibly practical bike.
And let me tell you, it’s comfy!
IMO amazing option for a first bike. If you’ve been riding for some time though, it may not be that exciting.
Grocery store vanilla ice cream on wheels.
go get a scooter
Hoping you cover the current gen ninja 1000sx soon!
Simply awesome. Thanks for sharing. We're riding along vicariously with you, Ian. The music is perfect!!
sorry. I meant this comment to go to Ian's review, " In the Shadow of the Sierras. My apologies. Zack is a super riding reviewer. I am impressed with this Kawi Versus 1000.
Great placement on the leaderboard for sure!
A shame that Tiger 850 Sport doesn’t come stock with cruise control. It’s a good contender for those of us who’ve been torn between T7 and WeeStrom abilities (and like a lower seat height).
Time to look at Cfmoto then - even their 700's have cruise control.
in case it has not been mentioned before, you can get rid of the rider mode settings and get your odometer back by holding down the reset button for a few seconds.
Yes, I was guessing it's positon on the board before you started going in the details, just judging from your ride and I got it spot on!
I put 25,000 miles on a 2015 model in two years. I got closer to 42 mpg. I'm curious to know what the difference is. Euro 4? The extra weight?
It is a great 1 up touring bike that can also do 2 up touring. Unfortunately, it is down on power compared to its competition and a lot of feature just feel superfluous. The 2015 model I had was much more basic and was considerably cheaper than anything else in its class. This no longer has that value going for it and I wonder who buys this over other ~18,000 dollar adventure bikes. They sell a more basic model in other markets, but in the U.S. the high end LT+ is all we get. The cheap model needed better suspension, in my opinion, but was still a great bike.
I still miss it.
As a Versys 650 LT owner I’ve looked into the big Versys and just couldn’t do it. For sure a better highway bike but that’s boring. The 650 has huge range, 87 octane, handles really really well on a twisty road and it’s basically 100 lbs lighter for dealing with on a daily basis. I would love a SE edition 650LT with brakes from the 636 supersport and similar spec suspension. Or they could build a 636 Versys as sort of an alternative to the S1000XR. I’m not sure if it would have any fuel range for touring but that would be a really fun bike.
Funny you say that because I have both a ZX-6R and a Versys 650. Two completely different animals. While the ZX-6R is my favorite among my 3 bikes for just riding around I would not want that engine in my Versys. The Versys is a chill, relaxed ride and I prefer that in a tourer and I think the 636 engine would change that. If I could only have 1 bike it would be the 1000sx since it's sort of in between the two.
@@4-n52 If Honda builds the CB4 concept into reality (basically a Versys 650 with their inline 4 from the CB) it may split the difference and not carry the weight of the Versys 1000. That would probably be the ideal bike imo. That inline 4 is about 90-ish hp which is just right, it still gets high fuel economy but with a bit more go then the twin in the V650. I agree the engine is a chill ride, although not if you’re having fun on it, it requires ringing it’s neck for some fun, which is fun but I wish it was 80-90hp instead of mid 60’s. The 636 would be a totally different bike, but I think a fun one, like a miniature S1000XR with a more realistic engine for most people. I can’t utilize 150+ hp on the street so it’s a waste for me. I had that issue with the Tiger 1050, it felt like using half the engine 95% of the time. There’s only so much you can actually apply on the street without being completely wreckless and turning it into Isle of Man.
I guess the best way to review this is against competition and the old Concours bike. One trend i noticed is that the fairing size is very much smaller than on the Concours. More like the Multistrada level of wind protection. I guess what surprises me most is that the Japanese bikes all seem to be behind the European bikes in technology and is design. For all the sales success the Japanese have had, it hasnt led to them leading the world in design and technology on motorcycles. Ever since BMW made ABS brakes standard on BMWs the Japanese have been slipping back in the design and technology world of motorcycling. THey certainly seem to be several stepsback. Even in the looks department. Very few of their bikes actually look good or they look of less quality or refinement.
Zach, I had a 2015 Versys and I could do a U-turn inside of two parking spaces. Where you messed up is you didn't lean the bike. Maybe you were worried about dropping it, but I know that bike is more than capable of turning inside of two parking spaces.
I test rode a 2016 with tkc dirt tires and turned tighter than he did first time I rode one of these.
Wish more bikes came with analog tachs, definitely my preference.
Agreed. These daily rider videos are great. Keep em coming. Watching all videos even though many bikes aren't for me. 😂
Great job Zack 🙏
I thought I wanted a Supersport till I rode of these!
Thanks for your work. I would prefer in all dirt bikes and enduros that you spend 75 percent of your time in the dirt. We understand how it works on rads in 5 minutes. Their are three different types of dirt riding people do mostly. 1. Dirt roads. Ten minutes on a winding dirt road would be good to share the true performance of the bike. 2. Jeep trail. If you are afraid or not able then get a rider to take the bikes on a jeep trail. 3. Singletrack. This is essential to see how the bike works on a single track. Thanks again and get off the highway and let's get the real dope on these bikes.